Environment Tasmania calls out the ongoing use of antibiotic Florfenicol by the salmon industry at a large scale and the news that five more farms will be treated today ahead of the suspension on the industry’s license.
Today’s “don’t speak” order across Tasmania’s seafood sector revealed by ABC’s Leon Compton on his Mornings show, speaks to the hearts of transparency issues rife within this industry and its governance.
“Contamination of wild fishery stocks up to 10km from farms is simply unacceptable and creates a massive reputational risk to both Tasmania and Australia’s brand to global markets.” says Rebecca Howarth, Marine Campaigner for Environment Tasmania.
“Other businesses, industries, our recreational fisheries and our wild marine life are impacted and it is absolutely irresponsible for the government to be prioritising this polluting industry over them.”
While the bacteria affecting the salmon has been listed as endemic to Tasmania, eradication is still possible by taking measures to destock salmon farms. Environment Tasmania is calling for a a halt on all expansions while this disease remains an issue.
Media contact: Jess Coughlan, 0431 684741